Dhensa is a luxury boutique hotel, set along a pine-forested ridge, overlooking the Punakha Valley in Bhutan. Flanked by thick pine forests and surrounded by numerous walking trails, Dhensa Resort overlooks the Punakha River and hundreds of rice paddy fields that terrace down to the valley floor. It is not surprising therefore that the core of the Dhensa philosophy lies in reviving your senses, and immersing yourself in the peace and beauty of nature that surrounds it.
The six Dhensa or 'Heavenly Abodes' as the name translates in Bhutanese, are spread across the ridge at different levels, linked with stairs. All cottages blend traditional Bhutanese design of exterior adobe walls, wooden roofs and carved windows with contemporary inside décor and furnished with elegant local fabrics. There are total of 24 suites, all with balconies and large bathrooms with free-standing bathtub, separate glass shower with quality toiletries.
The Dhensa restaurant serves both local and international cuisine, with options to eat indoor in the dining room or weather permitting, on the terrace with fine views of the valley. The well-designed spa has two treatment rooms with a sauna, steam room and a unique outdoor wood-fired bath. In the surrounds is Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, a nunnery with a 14-foot bronze statue of Chenrigzig (Avalokiteshvara), a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.
Amenities
Bar/PubBusiness CentreConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableYoga Classes/Instruction On SiteStay Dhensa Punakha features 24 suites, set in six cottages, all with private balconies. All are spacious (45sqm) in size, with minimalistic, contemporary style décor with large French doors offering stunning vistas of the valley. Indoors, fine blonde-wood panelling and comfy beds on raised wooden platforms reminisces Norwegian architecture. Rooms have indoor and outdoor sitting areas and large bathrooms come with stand-alone baths and separate glass showers with quality toiletries.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Dhensa Punakha. Although there are no specific facilities available for children the hotel is family-friendly and there is enough space in the room to accommodate a cot. The in-house restaurant will accommodate special dietary request for children. In the surround are open grounds for children to play.
Dine Fine meals are served in the glass-enclosed in-house Dhensa Restaurant. A team of local chefs create a fine combination of traditional and Indian cuisine with Western favourites. The hotel prides itself on high-quality, nurturing food, with many ingredients sourced from local farms but the meat is mostly imported. Bhutan's Buddhists do not slaughter their animals, which is good for their karma.
Relax Set in its own cottage with views of the surrounding forest, Dhensa Spa is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. It is uniquely equipped with an outdoor wood-fired bath as well as a steam room and a sauna. There are also two fully-equipped double treatment rooms (for couples) offering therapies using their very own hand-blended essential oils. A separate yoga rooms has glass walls where you can rejuvenate while absorbing the astonishing natural beauty.
Experience Set within the Pine forest and overlooking the beautiful Punakha valley, guests at Dhensa are well positioned to visit the nearby Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. The hotel offers a range of seasonal activities including white-water rafting and leisurely walks with gourmet picnics offering stunning views of the snow-capped mountain peaks. Visit local temples and monasteries, marvel at the rolling pine forests or meditate in the lap of the Himalayas, there is much to do here.
Location The resort overlooks the Punakha valley and is surrounded by pine Forrest.
When to go In the western, central and eastern Bhutan you will mostly experience cold European-like weather. Winter lasts here from November to March. The Monsoon occurs between June and August when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C. October and November are arguably the best months, when the monsoon has passed and the skies are clear. The spring months of March, April and May are best for the flora, but it can be stormy as the monsoon builds up for July-September.
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June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
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June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
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